APEURO: Unit 5, Conflict, Crisis, Reaction, Late 18th Century - Radicalization of the Revolution, Reign of Terror, Robespierre, Jacobins

Why This Matters

The Radicalization of the Revolution, specifically the Reign of Terror and the rise of the Jacobins, is a pivotal period in French history that significantly impacted the course of the Revolution and the development of modern politics. This topic is crucial for understanding the AP theme of Politics and Power, as it demonstrates how radical ideologies can lead to extreme measures and the concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals. The Reign of Terror, marked by the execution of thousands of perceived enemies of the Revolution, serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of protecting individual rights and liberties.

Key Events & People

• The Great Fear (July 1789): A wave of panic and violence swept through the countryside, leading to the destruction of grain stores and the rise of the National Guard.
• The Fall of the Bastille (July 14, 1789): A symbol of the absolute monarchy, the Bastille was stormed by a mob, marking a turning point in the Revolution.
• The Jacobin Club (1789): A radical group of politicians, including Maximilien Robespierre, who advocated for the execution of King Louis XVI and the establishment of a revolutionary government.
• The Committee of Public Safety (April 1793): A powerful committee, dominated by Robespierre, that exercised executive power and oversaw the Reign of Terror.
• Maximilien Robespierre (1758-1794): A leading Jacobin and advocate for the execution of King Louis XVI, who became the de facto leader of the Committee of Public Safety.
• Georges Danton (1759-1794): A leading Jacobin and early leader of the Committee of Public Safety, who was eventually executed by Robespierre's faction.
• The Law of Suspects (September 17, 1793): A law that allowed for the arrest and execution of anyone suspected of being an enemy of the Revolution.
• The September Massacres (September 1792): A wave of violence in which over 1,000 prisoners were killed, marking the beginning of the Reign of Terror.
• The Execution of King Louis XVI (January 21, 1793): The king was guillotined, marking a turning point in the Revolution and the rise of the Jacobins.
• The Thermidorian Reaction (July 1794): A coup that overthrew Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety, marking the end of the Reign of Terror.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The rise of the Jacobin Club and the Committee of Public Safety, led by Robespierre, created a power vacuum and a culture of fear and violence.
• Effect: The Law of Suspects and the September Massacres led to the execution of thousands of perceived enemies of the Revolution.
• Long-term consequence: The Reign of Terror marked a turning point in the Revolution, leading to the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte and the eventual collapse of the Jacobin government.

Essential Vocabulary

• *Jacobin*: A radical group of politicians who advocated for the execution of King Louis XVI and the establishment of a revolutionary government.
• *Reign of Terror*: A period of violence and execution that lasted from 1793 to 1794, during which thousands of perceived enemies of the Revolution were killed.
• *Committee of Public Safety*: A powerful committee that exercised executive power and oversaw the Reign of Terror.
• *Law of Suspects*: A law that allowed for the arrest and execution of anyone suspected of being an enemy of the Revolution.
• *Georgism*: A economic theory that advocates for the redistribution of wealth and the protection of individual rights and liberties.
• *Maximilien Robespierre*: A leading Jacobin and advocate for the execution of King Louis XVI, who became the de facto leader of the Committee of Public Safety.
• *Thermidorian Reaction*: A coup that overthrew Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety, marking the end of the Reign of Terror.
• *Sans-culottes*: A radical group of working-class Parisians who supported the Jacobins and the Committee of Public Safety.
• *Girondins*: A moderate group of politicians who opposed the Jacobins and the Committee of Public Safety.
• *National Convention*: The governing body of France during the Reign of Terror.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The Reign of Terror began in 1792, not 1793.
• Correction: The September Massacres, which marked the beginning of the Reign of Terror, occurred in September 1792.
• What students often get wrong: Maximilien Robespierre was a member of the Girondins.
• Correction: Robespierre was a leading Jacobin and advocate for the execution of King Louis XVI.
• What students often get wrong: The Law of Suspects was passed in 1794, not 1793.
• Correction: The Law of Suspects was passed on September 17, 1793.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the role of the Jacobin Club in the Radicalization of the Revolution. Be sure to include specific examples from the Reign of Terror and the Committee of Public Safety.
  • Evidence: The Jacobin Club's advocacy for the execution of King Louis XVI, the Committee of Public Safety's exercise of executive power, and the Law of Suspects.
• Possible essay prompt: Evaluate the impact of the Reign of Terror on the course of the Revolution. Be sure to include specific examples from the period.
  • Evidence: The September Massacres, the execution of King Louis XVI, and the Thermidorian Reaction.
• Possible document-based question: Analyze the role of Maximilien Robespierre in the Radicalization of the Revolution. Be sure to include specific examples from his speeches and writings.
  • Evidence: Robespierre's speeches to the National Convention, his advocacy for the execution of King Louis XVI, and his leadership of the Committee of Public Safety.

Quick Self-Check

1. What was the name of the law that allowed for the arrest and execution of anyone suspected of being an enemy of the Revolution?
   • Correct answer: The Law of Suspects.
   • Explanation: The Law of Suspects was passed on September 17, 1793, and allowed for the arrest and execution of anyone suspected of being an enemy of the Revolution.
2. Who was the leader of the Committee of Public Safety during the Reign of Terror?
   • Correct answer: Maximilien Robespierre.
   • Explanation: Robespierre became the de facto leader of the Committee of Public Safety in 1793 and exercised executive power during the Reign of Terror.
3. What was the name of the coup that overthrew Robespierre and the Committee of Public Safety?
   • Correct answer: The Thermidorian Reaction.
   • Explanation: The Thermidorian Reaction occurred in July 1794 and marked the end of the Reign of Terror.

Last-Minute Cram Sheet

• The Reign of Terror lasted from 1793 to 1794.
• The Law of Suspects was passed on September 17, 1793.
• Maximilien Robespierre was the leader of the Committee of Public Safety during the Reign of Terror.
• The Thermidorian Reaction occurred in July 1794.
• The Jacobin Club was a radical group of politicians who advocated for the execution of King Louis XVI.
• The Committee of Public Safety exercised executive power during the Reign of Terror.
• The September Massacres marked the beginning of the Reign of Terror.
• The execution of King Louis XVI occurred on January 21, 1793.
• The National Convention was the governing body of France during the Reign of Terror.
• Georges Danton was a leading Jacobin and early leader of the Committee of Public Safety.